Time Keeps On Slippin’

Every year around this time, it seems as if people are oddly compelled to remark on the passage of time. Specifically, they mention how surprised they are to see the year coming to a close, and marvel at how it is they didn't see it coming. "I can't believe it's December already!" or "How is the year almost over?" are common enough statements you're likely to hear in the weeks and months leading up to the next calendar year.

And rightly so. At least in this calendar year, amid all the talk of debt bubbles, elections and fiscal cliffs, it has been supremely easy to let time slip by unnoticed. And that's the danger, when we let our guard down… And time is free to make fools of us… And our mistakes are doomed to be repeated. So any opportunity for sincere reflection, no matter the impetus, is something we think everyone should seize.

So, in that spirit, we will continue with our Daily Reckoning Best of 2012 Series. In today's installment, we extend our theme of contemplative reflection, with an insightful piece from our Managing Editor, Joel Bowman, on the unfortunate state of the State, and the plight — and subsequent flight— of one of its most enterprising citizens. And we follow that with a commencement address from our Editor-in-Chief, Bill Bonner — one that no one would be invited to give, but that every graduate should be made to hear. You can find them each right here: